Two completed copies of a permit application shall be submitted to erect, install, replace, remove and alter signs, as required by the provisions of this chapter. The application shall include the permit fee.

The permit application shall contain all information necessary for the Zoning Officer to determine whether the proposed sign conforms with the requirements of this chapter. At a minimum, the following information shall be included:

The permit application shall be granted or refused within 30 days from the date of completed application.

No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations of this chapter, except upon order of the Zoning Hearing Board, granted pursuant to the procedures established for a variance.

No sign shall be posted, stapled or otherwise permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within a street right-of-way.

Unless otherwise specified, no portion of any freestanding sign shall be located within five feet of the street right-of-way line or within 20 feet of a property line.

All traffic control signs, directional signs, traffic signals or other signs which are located within a street right-of-way shall be permitted by West Nantmeal Township or Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

No sign shall be located, placed or arranged in any manner that interferes with vehicular traffic, including the obstruction of sight distance.

The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, border trim or framing, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing.

Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be determined by calculating the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters and symbols used for the sign, regardless of the actual shape created by the letters and symbols.

The area of a sign painted upon or applied to a building shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.

In computing the square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side of the sign shall be considered as the area of the sign, provided that both faces are identical inside the frame of the sign. In cases where the signs are not parallel or if an interior angle is created to provide visibility, both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.

The height of a sign shall be measured from the average elevation of the ground or finished grade to the highest point of the sign.

The maximum height of any sign shall be 20 feet.

No sign that is a part of or is supported by a building shall be erected, placed or displayed upon the roof of such building, nor shall such sign extend above the height of the building.

Height requirements for off-premises signs or billboards are contained under § 215-159 of this chapter.

All freestanding signs which are located within 20 feet of a street right-of-way line shall have at least seven feet of clear space between such sign and the average ground elevation. However, the necessary support structures may extend through such open space. Freestanding signs shall be located at least five feet from the right-of-way line.

Ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line.

No ground or freestanding sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of a street intersection. The provisions for establishing the clear sight triangle are specified under § 215-133 of this chapter.

The minimum sight distance requirements for pedestrians and vehicles shall be considered and applied to all permit applications involving signs.

All such projecting signs shall extend at least one foot from the building but no more than 10 feet from the building.

No sign shall project outward or perpendicular from the face of a building, whereas there is an open area between the ground and the sky.

The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet from the average ground elevation and no higher than 20 feet above the average ground elevation.

The maximum area of all projecting signs shall be 20 square feet, as measured on a single side of the projecting sign. Double-faced projecting signs may be permitted for the same use.

Unless otherwise specified within this chapter, signs may be illuminated by direct and nonglaring lighting, provided that such lighting is shielded so no direct light will shine on abutting properties or obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians within a street right-of-way.

The use of red, green or amber lights on any sign within 200 feet of a street intersection shall be prohibited.

The use of flashing, transmitted video, or other similar lighting features for signs shall be prohibited.

The use of intermittent, animated or transmitted visual message signs may be permitted within the C-1 and I-1 Zoning Districts. The message display area or screen of such signs shall not change more that four times per minute. All such signs shall not be located within 10 feet of a street right-of-way line and 200 feet from the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Zoning Districts.

The use of illuminated signs within the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Zoning Districts shall be prohibited unless the illuminated sign is specifically related to emergency management uses, medical facilities, municipal uses, institutional uses, and other similar uses considered appropriate by the Zoning Officer.

Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential properties shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and all other property lines; no more than two signs shall be permitted for each property being sold; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction is completed.

Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of nonresidential properties shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property lines; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction is completed.

Property control or restriction signs shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions; the area of the sign shall not exceed two square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 100 feet apart on the same lot or property; and the sign does not contain any personal message, which is considered irrelevant to controlling or restricting the use of a property or lot.

Temporary signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter.

Special event or promotional signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter.

Special use signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter.

Traffic control and directional signs located within the street right-of-way shall be subject to the review and approval of West Nantmeal Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The location, size, type, height, spacing and quantity of the sign(s) shall be stipulated on the permit, as issued by West Nantmeal Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Traffic control and directional signs located outside the street right-of-way within a lot or on private property shall be subject to the review and approval of West Nantmeal Township. All such signs shall be located at least two feet from the street right-of-way and 10 feet from all other property lines. The maximum number of signs as well as the maximum height and size of each sign are specified under § 215-156 of this chapter.

Political signs shall not be placed within the right-of-way of any road and shall be placed only on properties with the property owner's permission.

Political signs may be posted 30 calendar days prior to the date of the election.

Political signs must be removed within five days following the election.

No more than one such sign shall be erected for each permitted use or dwelling.

The area of such sign shall not exceed four square feet.

The sign shall not be illuminated.

The height of the sign shall not exceed a height of 10 above the average ground elevation.

The sign shall be fixed flat on the main wall of such building or may be erected in the front yard, but not within the street right-of-way or five feet form any other property line.

The signs shall be limited to two freestanding or ground signs per entrance to the development.

The maximum size of the sign shall be 30 square feet per sign.

The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.

Any wall or fence structure, which supports such signs may not exceed 10 feet in height or a maximum of 100 square feet in area.

The sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line, 20 feet from all other property lines and shall not be located in the clear sight triangle, as established under § 215-133 of this chapter. The final location of such signs shall be approved by the Zoning Officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide sufficient evidence to the Zoning Officer that adequate measures have been taken to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping, and that the sign will be durably constructed as to require minimal maintenance.

The illumination of such signs may be permitted, provided that downlighting is utilized with low intensity lighting, which is less than 100 watts and is located in a manner so that glare or reflection is not greater than 0.1 footcandle at the street right-of-way line.

No more than one ground sign or freestanding sign shall be permitted.

No more than eight wall or parallel signs shall be permitted, which shall not exceed 200 cumulative square feet or occupy more than 20% of the front building façade, whichever is less.

No more than one projecting sign shall be permitted.

Unless otherwise directed by West Nantmeal Township, no more than six directional or accessory signs shall be permitted per acre.

A business park, professional office park and industrial park may have one freestanding or ground sign for each street on which the development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The area of each sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:

A mini mall containing multiple nonresidential uses with less than 30,000 square feet of cumulative floor area may contain one freestanding sign or ground sign for the development, which shall not exceed 80 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:

All other individual nonresidential uses may have one freestanding or ground sign, subject to the provisions specified under § 215-156 of this chapter.

The required spacing shall be at least 650 linear feet apart from another off-premises advertising sign or billboard on the same side of the road.

The required spacing shall be at least 500 linear feet apart from another off-premises advertising sign or billboard on the opposite side of the road.

Off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and no further than 100 feet from the street right-of-way line, as measured on the same side of the street to which the off-premises advertising sign or billboard is located.

Off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least 30 feet from all other property lines.

Off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least 500 feet from the center of the nearest street intersection or interchange.

The height of all such off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be no more than 40 feet to the top edge of the sign, as measured from the grade of the cartway of the highway over which the sign is erected measured at the closest point of the cartway parallel to the center point of the face of the off-premises advertising sign or billboard.

The minimum height or clearance distance between the bottom edge of the off-premises advertising sign or billboard and the average ground elevation around the support structure shall be 10 feet or as per building code requirements.

When two off-premises advertising signs or billboards are located and orientated in the same direction, the maximum cumulative surface area of the signs shall not exceed 680 square feet and shall not exceed a height of 40 feet.

When two off-premises advertising surface signs or billboards are orientated in a back-to-back arrangement, they shall be parallel and directly opposite from each other and shall not be spaced by more that eight feet. The size and shape of the signs should not deviate from each other and they shall utilize the same support structure.

When two off-premises advertising surface signs or billboards are orientated in a V-type arrangement, they shall be at least 15 feet apart at the mid-point distance nor shall the interior angles be greater than 45°. The size and shape of the signs should not deviate from each other and they shall utilize the same support structure.

No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be located in any manner that disrupts or distracts the operator of a motor vehicle.

The off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be designed, located and constructed in accordance with all local and state codes. As part of this requirement, all permit applications shall include signed and sealed plans from a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall not contain vulgar messages or depict any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts.

The off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be maintained and inspected by the applicant of the permit on a regular basis, but shall not exceed a period of time of more than 180 days. As part of this requirement, the applicant shall inspect the following: the support structure to determine if it is sound and in good repair; the lighting to determine if it is operating sufficiently; the display area to determine if it is in good condition and free of graffiti; the area within the lease area to determine if it is clear of overgrown vegetation, debris, trash and other unsightly materials; and all other items that should be inspected periodically.

All off-premises advertising signs or billboards may be illuminated, provided that such illumination is directed towards the sign and shielded so as to prevent the illumination from being directed towards the street or any adjacent properties. Downward illumination or night-friendly illumination is encouraged.

Off-premises advertising signs or billboards containing flashing, intermittent, oscillating, reflective and/or moving lighting features shall be prohibited.

Off-premises advertising signs or billboards may incorporate features to provide electronic message displays, such as the time, date, temperature, weather and similar information, provided it does not disrupt or distract the operator of a motor vehicle.

Off-premises advertising signs or billboards may incorporate a timed or electronic display change, whereas the display of the sign may change to another sign within a specified period of time. All such signs may be considered, provided the message does not change more than four times per minute and it does not disrupt or distract the operator of a motor vehicle.

The provisions for exterior lighting, as specified under § 215-142 of this chapter, shall also apply to the illumination of off-premises advertising signs or billboards.

The applicant shall submit a written agreement with the permit application indicating that the owner of the property has agreed to lease the property to the commercial sign or advertising company and has approved the proposed display or message contained on the off-premises advertising sign or billboard.

Three complete permit applications shall be submitted to West Nantmeal Township, as required by the provisions of this chapter. The permit application shall include the required permit fee.

The permit application shall contain the following information: three copies of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately to scale depicting the dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way, location of the sign; the exact size, dimensions and location of the off-premises sign or billboard to be placed on the lot or building, together with its type, construction, materials to be used, support structures, and the manner of installation; and any other useful information which may be required by West Nantmeal Township.

The completed permit application, plans and support diagrams shall be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Upon securing the local permit from West Nantmeal Township, the applicant shall be responsible for applying for all necessary permits through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The applicant shall be responsible for providing West Nantmeal Township with a copy of the permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, municipal, philanthropic, educational, institutional, religious, or similar organization, provided the following criteria apply: the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area; no more than two signs shall be permitted; the signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year; the sign shall be removed within seven days after the commencement of the campaign, drive or event.

Temporary signs for a yard sale or garage sale, provided the following conditions shall apply: the sign shall not exceed four square feet in area; no more than four signs shall be permitted; the signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year; the sign shall be removed within two days after the commencement of the campaign, drive or event.

Temporary signs for contractors, developers, architects, engineers, builders, financiers and artisans may be permitted on the premises where the work is being performed, provided that the following criteria apply: the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet; the sign shall not be illuminated; no more than three signs shall be permitted for each street the project area or development has more than 300 feet of frontage; the sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height, and provided that all such signs shall be removed within seven days upon completion of the work.

Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential properties shall be permitted subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction.

Political signs, being signs erected in conjunction with a political election, naming a candidate or slate of candidates for a primary or general election or referencing a position in support of or opposition to an issue placed in referendum, shall be installed so as to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code, 25 P.S. § 2600 et seq., and all other requirements of West Nantmeal Township.

Business and advertising signs located within a sports facility or venue subject to the following criteria: the signs shall be located within the permitted sports facility or venue such as a football stadium, little league baseball field or similar playing field owned or operated by a not-for-profit organization or entity organized to promote youth sports teams; the nonprofit organization or entity is recognized and authorized in writing as such by the appropriate state and federal agencies; no more than one sign measuring a maximum of 32 square feet in area shall be permitted for each 50 square feet of playing field or ground floor stadium area; all such signs shall be made of wood, plastic or metal; and all such signs may be located only on walls, fences, and scoreboards, but shall not be mounted on light poles, roofs or other freestanding surfaces.

The maximum size of a special event sign shall be 32 square feet. In the case of more than one sign, the combined area of all signs shall be no more than 32 square feet.

No portion of a ground-mounted sign used to advertise a special event shall exceed the height of 50 inches. Any banner or wall sign used to advertise a special event shall not extend above the roofline of the building upon which the sign is displayed.

A special event sign shall be fastened securely. Ground signs shall be anchored with a metal pipe or other secure support. Hanging signs shall be secured and not allowed to flap or sag.

All seasonal signs must be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

The sign shall not obstruct the vision or sight distance of the operator of any vehicle or interfere with normal pedestrian movements. In no case shall the sign be located within the street right-of-way. A plot plan showing the location of any special event sign must accompany each permit application.

The special event sign may be two-sided with different advertisement displays on either side.

The special event sign shall not contain flashing messages as part of the display.

No such sign shall remain in place or otherwise be displayed for more than 30 days per event or season, and no person shall exhibit any such sign for more than a total of 75 days during any calendar year.

The use of spotlights, floodlights and other similar promotional features may be utilized, provided they comply with the following provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for more than 30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any calendar year; they shall be located at least 20 feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from the property line; they shall be well maintained; and they shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.

The use of banners, flags, balloons and similar promotional features may be utilized provided they comply with the following provisions; they shall not be utilized on the property for more than 30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any calendar year; they shall not be located more than 60 feet in the air, as measured for the average ground elevation where the balloons are permitted; the minimum setback or fall zone to any street right-of-way line or property line shall be one horizontal foot to one vertical foot considering the height of the balloon; they shall be well maintained; and they shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.

A special event sign permit shall be required for each sign used to advertise any special event during any calendar year. The property owner, or lessee with the owner's permission, may make one permit application establishing all dates, times and the duration of each separate special event sign proposed to be displayed during a calendar year, or may make separate applications for each such event, providing the total does not exceed the maximum seventy-five-day limit.

The permit applicant shall pay the fee established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The special event sign permit shall be subject to the review and approval of the West Nantmeal Township Zoning Officer.

The use of promotional signs and features shall be limited to the first 60 days after the initial occupancy permit is issued for the nonresidential use.

The maximum area of a promotional sign shall be limited to two signs, which shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign. The promotional signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property lines.

All promotional banners, flags, balloons, spot lights, floodlights and other permitted promotional features shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from the property line.

No other promotional features other than the balloons shall exceed the height of the roofline.

The promotional signs, banners, flags, balloons, spot lights, floodlights and other similar promotional features shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.

The applicant must complete and submit a permit to the West Nantmeal Township at least 60 days prior to the desired date of hanging a banner over a public street or way. The banner(s) may be hung and displayed as set forth by the provisions established within this section of this chapter.

The hanging of banners must be in complete conformance with the application, as submitted to West Nantmeal Township and as finally approved by West Nantmeal Township.

The hanging of banners is the sole responsibility of the applicant.

No banner may hang lower than 16 feet over the street or public way.

Unless otherwise approved by West Nantmeal Township, no more than eight banners may be displayed over any particular street or public way.

Banners may not be hung more than 30 days prior to the date of the event being advertised and must be removed no later than seven days after the conclusion of the event being advertised.

Banners which are not removed within seven days after the advertised event has concluded shall be removed by the Township; the applicant shall be liable for the actual cost of removal.

Banners hung across streets and other rights-of-way without proper approval or authorization shall be removed by the Township; the responsible person(s) shall be liable for the cost of removal.

The applicant shall assume all liability and responsibility for the display of the banners.

Any sign, which is considered nonconforming based upon its location, height, clearance, visibility, projection, quantity and illumination, shall only be replaced with a conforming sign.

Any sign which is considered nonconforming based upon its surface area shall only be replaced by a conforming sign or a sign that is 25% less than the surface area of the original nonconforming sign.

Nonconforming signs may be repaired and/or repainted, provided that the modifications do not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign or create any further nonconformities.

No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by that person a sign, which has been abandoned.

An abandoned sign shall be removed by the landowner or person controlling the property within 30 days of the abandonment as described by this chapter.